Use of the Database to improve genetic potential of the
Scottish beef herd

The Scottish beef herd is extremely diverse in respect of the
breeds of cattle used and the genetic diversity both within and
between breeds. Some genetic lines are more suited to maternal
traits and some to beef yield. Pedigree cattle farmers have
collected genetic data for many years so as to establish Estimated
Breeding Values (
EBVs). In turn
EBV's are
increasingly being used by commercial beef farmers in making
decisions over beef bull selection. However, considerable potential
exists to widen the pool of data if more information is provided
from commercial herds. By supporting producers to contribute data
and information to the database described in Recommendation 8, the
industry would have a valuable resource to access in order to
improve breeding selection criteria.

Examples of data that could be collected and integrated would
crucially include sire and dam identity of calves as well as
physical information collected at the time of birth including
calving ease and dam temperament, often referred to as "docility",
as well as a measure of "calf quality".

At slaughter, the carcase weight, carcase grade, any
condemnations due to animal health issues and evidence of sub
clinical disease presence can be added. Simple analysis would, for
example, allow a lifetime daily live weight gain to be
calculated.

At the national and regional level cattle farmers will gain from
the reporting of trends in reasons for carcase downgrades and sub
clinical disease presence by being able to take more informed
management decisions.

Genetics are generally accepted to have value in improving
carcase quality, quantity, yield and palatability, fertility and
reproductive efficiency, maternal ability, growth rates and birth
weights. By improving the quantity and quality of data held, the
Scottish beef industry will be well placed to maximise its
potential.

Going further, the use of Genomics to predict susceptibility of
certain genetic strains to different diseases has shown great
results in The Republic of Ireland. Through the automatic
collection of an ear tissue biopsy at the time of tagging the calf,
it is possible to use genotyping to further inform breeding
decisions to the benefit of the whole industry.

Work by the Limousin Cattle Society and Anglo Beef Processors (
ABP) sponsored by
the
UK Government's
Technology Strategy Board has demonstrated the potential revenue
gain to be had from using genotypes most suited to maximise carcase
yield
[16].

The
USDA
sponsors a national programme for genetic improvement in feed
efficiency
[17] as well as a similar programme seeking to use genomics and
management approaches to reduce the incidence of pneumonia in beef
and dairy cattle
[18].

In addition to the financial gains to the producer as
demonstrated by the Limousin Cattle Society et.al, improved feed
efficiency and animal health will also contribute to reduced
greenhouse gas emissions per kilogram of beef produced.

Recommendation 8 highlighted the need to develop a database of
basic animal information. This database would also form the
framework for voluntary recording of additional information, for
example genetic profile through tissue sampling at time of tagging.
This dataset should be owned by the industry for the benefit of the
industry.

Recommendation 9

Encourage producers through financial incentives, to
collect data to populate and develop a national integrated and
accessible livestock breeding database incorporating genetic and
productivity information.